Jim Daly always knew he had potential. Now he's finally realising it. The oldest and the most dapper student in Ballyfermot Senior College he's enjoying his return to full-time education.
He was 13 in 1941 when the bomb dropped on Dublin's northside, heralding the end of his classroom career. "I painted petrol pumps, I cleaned windows, I bottled whiskey," he says. "But I always felt I should have been a bank manager," he adds, a decided twinkle in his eye.
The Return to Learning course includes maths, philosophy, social studies, computer and communications, he says. "I find the maths a little difficult, although I always had a good head for mental arithmetic." And when the academic year ends in May, it's likely that the college's oldest student will be found enrolling on a media course.
Celebrating 21 years in existence, Ballyfermot College of Further Education (formerly Ballyfermot Senior College) began life as a senior-cycle school, with some 400 students. It has become a flagship in the further-education sector, offering an eclectic mix of courses from social care to animation to rock school and journalism. Now, there are 1,500 full-time students, 600 at night school and 300 on short programmes aimed at local people. The college no longer offers second-level courses.
The catchment extends far beyond Ballyfermot - 40 per cent of the student body comes from Dublin 10, 22 and 24, with the remainder hailing from the provinces, the EU and beyond. There are three campuses - two in Ballyfermot and one in Dame Street in the city centre.
It's overcrowded, but principal Maureen Conway unrolls the plans for a new performing-arts block. The drawings show a TV studio with a full stage, seating for 250 people and standing room for 400 as well as classrooms, computer rooms and a new staffroom (the present one was designed for 50, so the 128 full- and part-time staff are unlikely to squeeze in. Work should begin on the new building in July.
There are also plans to build a gym. As part of a programme to combat drugs it would be shared between the college and the local community.
For the first time, the students have formed a union; their corner on the corridor is named the BUS (Ballyfermot Union of Students) Stop. So far, facilities run to five plastic chairs, three tables, noticeboards - and a computer is promised. However, it brings a new vibrancy, a forum to plan social events and discuss problems. Fiona Keogh, union president, is also on the board of the college.
This month's broadcasting licence for Radio Eclipse has also brought a distinct buzz to the college's radio studio and the corridors outside.
Mention Ballyfermot College of Further Education to most people and they'll say: ah, yes, the rock school and the animation courses. In fact, college courses fall into nine categories: art and design; animation and multimedia; business/teleservices; computing/ engineering; hotel, catering and tourism; media and broadcasting; music performance, production and management; social care; return to learning.
Courses are open to Leaving Cert Applied students as well as those who take the traditional Leaving Cert, with the exception of certain courses, such as BTEC higher national diplomas where the traditional Leaving Cert is required by certifying bodies. But, in those cases, there are usually courses which can act as a foundation year, depending on results.
Guidance counsellor Julie Murphy produces comprehensive statistics on graduate destinations, so it is possible to see where the students from each class have found work or are continuing their education. The 1999 survey shows 45 per cent were continuing their education, 47 per cent in employment and 2 per cent unemployed. This compares favourably with the latest Higher Education Authority statistics, which shows 2.4 per cent of third-level graduates were unemployed.
While the courses are primarily designed to prepare students for the workplace, there are also chances to progress to third level.
There are no tuition fees for Post Leaving Certificate courses and eligible students may apply for maintenance grants on the same basis as third-level students.
For those inspired by the array of courses, application should be in April 7th. All applicants who apply before the closing date will be interviewed. There may also be auditions for certain courses.
